US Army veteran
WAKEFIELD — Thomas H. Collins, 90, of Wakefield passed away peacefully on February 3. Born on December 13, 1934 in Wakefield, Tom was the son of the late Jacob and Elizabeth (White) Collins. He was one of 14 children all of whom predeceased him.
Tom attended Melrose High School and went on to serve his country with honor as a radio operator in the United States Army from 1953 to 1957, stationed in Germany as part of the Army of Occupation. After his military service, he dedicated his career to protecting his community as a firefighter with the Wakefield Fire Department from 1966 until his retirement in 1992.
Tom was a passionate advocate for veterans, actively involved in the American Legion Post 63, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Veterans’ Advisory Board for the Town of Wakefield. He played an instrumental role in the annual effort to decorate the gravestones of deceased veteran firefighters and was a key contributor to the renovation of Wakefield’s World War II Monument.
An avid outdoorsman, Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling. He spent many years exploring the country in his RV with his beloved life partner of 37 years Janet Sullivan, often making frequent trips to Disney World. He was also a dedicated movie enthusiast with a vast collection especially of Disney films.
Tom was predeceased by his wife of 30 years Mary (Jean) Lafun Thompson Collins. He is survived by Janet Sullivan of Wakefield; her son Michael Sullivan and his wife Lisa of Wakefield; and her son Daniel Sullivan and his wife Jennifer of North Reading; and sister-in-law Fumiko Collins. Along with many nieces and nephews and five cherished grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to the calling hours on Monday, February 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. at McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 11 at 11 a.m. at Wakefield/Lynnfield United Methodist Church, 273 Vernon St., Wakefield with interment to follow at Lakeside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in
Tom’s memory to the Corporal Harry E. Nelson Scholarship Fund through the Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield at 467 Main St., P.O. Box 321, Wakefield, MA 01880.
Tom will be remembered for his dedication to his country, his community and his family. His kindness, humor and service leave a lasting legacy.